Asia is an extensive area with diverse cultural traditions and historical influences affecting it over a long period of time. It is impossible to study all aspects of the region’s history. Therefore, this course will focus on East Asia. The thrust of the course extends from circa 1770 to the end of the 20th century (2000) and includes China, Japan and Korea. We will do some additional investigation of the southeast region of Vietnam and surrounding countries. We will focus on the political, economic and cultural/social trends and events of the region. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to understand one of the 21st century’s most dynamic regions. As such we will be examining current topics in the region as well as the historical record.